Structure
Noun + としては
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Standard
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一般
About としては
Like として, a grammar point meaning 'as', としては functions as an extension of this, with the は particle merely emphasizing the (A) subject as a stand-alone entity that is about to be compared with something, or that the speaker is assuming the result of (B), from the standpoint of (A). としては may be translated as 'as (A)', or 'for an (A)'. (A) will frequently highlight a person or organization in cases where the speaker is making an assumption from that standpoint.
This structure will be used after nouns, and is a combination of と, the て-form of する, and は. The literal translation is something similar to 'going off that (A) is (A), (B)'.
This structure will be used after nouns, and is a combination of と, the て-form of する, and は. The literal translation is something similar to 'going off that (A) is (A), (B)'.
- あの人は先輩としてはいいけど、友達になろうとは思えない。As a senpai, he is a good person, but I don't think I would want to be friends with him.
- あの会社は建築会社としてはホワイトな方だと思う。I think that company is white as far as construction companies go.
- アイデアとしてはいいんですが、実際にやるとなるとものすごい費用がかかると思います。That is good as an idea, but I think it would cost a tremendous amount of money to actually do it.
- ピアノは趣味としては好きだけど、ピアノで食べていこうとは思わない。I like playing the piano as a hobby, but I don't want to make a living out of it.
Synonyms
Examples
とてもいい友達だと思うけど、恋人としては考えられない。
I think he is as a very good friend, but as a lover, that is unimaginable.
概論としては、まだ不十分です。
For an outline, it still needs work.
晴れ着としては、ぼろすぎないか?
For your Sunday best (clothes), aren't they a little raggedy?
アイデアとしてはいいが、実現するのは難しい。
As an idea, that is good. However, it will be difficult in practice.
イメージとしては分かりますが、説明が曖昧すぎます。
As a mental image I understand, but the explanation is too vague.
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~として(は) ~としても ~としての
JLPTCafe
~にしては vs. ~としては
JStackExchange
Japanese phrase 〜として (~toshite) [including としても and としては]
SelfTaughtJapanese
Making hypotheses with 「とする」
Tae Kim
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[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 502
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 288
[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 249
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としては – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (3 in total)
FredKore
About 3 years ago
Just pondering…
- This grammar point is translated as “for” or “as”.
- English grammar often occurs in phrases – such as “jump out”, “jump in”, “jump on” – which is different than just “jump”.
I wonder if this grammar point としては might be better thought of as “for a __” or “as a __”, because it’s usually translated like that and it functions like that phrase.
I guess when I see “for” by itself, I think of things like ~ため (for this reason) or ~てくれる、~てあげる (for me, for someone), where there’s an object directly tied to the word/point.My two cents.
Pushindawood
About 3 years ago
Thank you for your suggestion! I have updated the grammar point’s meaning page and example sentences to highlight “as a” or “for a” instead of just “as” and “for.” Cheers!
FredKore
About 3 years ago
Oh, so it was a good suggestion? Awesome!
Thank you for taking feedback from all of us!
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